Double Fatal on Interstate 71

UPDATE: Cincinnati Police say two people died in a crash this afternoon on Interstate 71. The northbound lanes were closed for over three hours while police investigated the accident.

Police have identified John Benford, III, 62 of Norwood, as the driver of Nissan Altima, who lost control of his vehicle traveling north on 71. According to the report the Altima struck the median wall and then was hit by a Ford F-250. Police say Benford died at the hospital.

An unidentified passenger in Benford's vehicle died at the scene.

Police say that alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash. Neither Benford nor his passenger were wearing their seatbelts.

The driver of the F-250 was wearing his seatbelt and did not sustain any injuries in the crash.

UPDATE: Interstate 71 has now been reopened, nearly three hours after a two-car accident shut it down.

UPDATE: The original call was for an accident between a beige Nissan and a big Ford truck.

PREVIOUSLY:

I-71 northbound is closed at Reading Road due to an accident just before Dana Ave.

Artimis is urging drivers to use I-75 Northbound to the Norwood Lateral East.

Traffic cameras show that Interstate 71 Northbound is a parking lot until the 3.8 mile marker.